Infusion Catheter Side Flow Apertures Backflow Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infusion catheters face issues with backflow of therapeutic agents along the catheter track, leading to reduced efficacy and wastage, especially when the agent flows into the Cerebral Spinal Fluid, and are often rigid and not adaptable for long-term implantation.
Innovation Solution
The development of catheter assemblies with flexible tubular bodies and integrated tubular needles featuring side flow apertures offset from the distal tip, which reduce backflow by allowing nonaxial fluid exit and enabling the catheter to be trimmed to desired lengths during implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional rigid catheters are used for acute condition treatment, then temporary implantation is achieved, but the catheters cannot be modified during implantation for long term therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter body material is changed from rigid to flexible, enabling the catheter to be trimmed to desired lengths during implantation while maintaining suitability for long term therapy applications
2Productivity
If therapeutic agent is delivered through the catheter, then treatment efficacy is achieved, but backflow occurs along the catheter track reducing efficacy and causing wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The flow apertures are oriented non-axially (radially outward) instead of axially, changing the flow direction from along the catheter axis to perpendicular to it, which prevents backflow along the catheter track while maintaining delivery efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The flow apertures are positioned asymmetrically on the needle surface at specific locations, creating directed flow paths that optimize delivery to target tissue while minimizing backflow along the catheter
3Measurement precision
If the needle diameter is reduced for precise delivery, then delivery precision is improved, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is constructed from a composite material that combines properties to achieve both the required precision for precise delivery and sufficient structural strength to maintain catheter integrity during implantation and therapy delivery
Data Source
AI summary
Catheters assemblies having structural configurations operable to reduce backflow along the catheter assembly track, and methods of making and using such catheter assemblies. Catheters assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention find use in various applications including the treatment of acute and chronic medical conditions. An exemplary catheter assembly includes, in one illustrative embodiment, a flexible proximal catheter body portion, and a distal portion of a smaller diameter than the body portion. The distal portion includes a sealed distal tip or end and one or more side flow openings to permit flow of therapeutic substance from the catheter along an axis that is different than, e.g., skewed relative to, a longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the catheter assembly.